Here’s a look at your First Friday options, organized by area to help you spend more time with art and less time racing between art venues. First up, we’ve noted the exhibit that should be on your must-see list.
Must-See Exhibit
'I Art Woman'Palabras Bilingual Bookstore
1738 East McDowell Road
Head to Palabras Bilingual Bookstore to see works created as part of an exchange between artists based in metro Phoenix and based in Guadalajara, Mexico. The exhibit features works in multiple mediums, which address themes related to identity. First Friday hours are 7 to 10 p.m.
Grand Avenue
'Altered Perspective'Five15 Arts
1301 Grand Avenue
The Five15 Arts collective is showing work by Marissa Vidrio, who took inspiration in part from aerial views of the Midwest experienced during summer travels. The artist also gathered detritus there, which she used to create several of the pieces. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m.
'Still, Life'
{9} The Gallery
1229 Grand Avenue
Explore works by Cathy Stark at {9} The Gallery, where First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m. The artists uses mixed media to consider the relationship between inner stillness and outward noise.
'Facing the Face'
Sisao Gallery
1501 North Grand Avenue
Sisao Gallery is showing works by Darlene Mount-Ritter, an established artist who has shown with several metro Phoenix collectives and spent many years teaching art. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m.
First Friday
Unexpected
734 West Polk Street
Explore works by diverse artists working in multiple mediums at Unexpected, where First Friday hours are 6 to 11 p.m.
Roosevelt Row
'Growing Down'Xico Shipping Container Gallery
918 North Second Street
See several Xico Arte y Cultura exhibits inside the shipping container galleries in Roosevelt Row. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m., and the lineup includes Christina Valenzuela’s “Growing Down” exhibit, which explores the relationship between the perception and lived experience.
Lee Antcliffe and Dair Deckert
Olney Gallery
100 West Roosevelt Street
You’ll find works by two artists inside Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Lee Antcliffe creates oil and watercolor paintings that often feature dogs and Australian botanicals. Dair Deckert creates landscapes designed to foster reflection. First Friday hours are 6 to 9 p.m.
Central Corridor
'Creature Comforts'Practical Art
5070 North Central Avenue
The opening reception for the new Rebecca Blume Rothman exhibit at Practical Art takes place on Friday, January 10. But you can still explore the exhibit during First Friday when store hours continue through 7 p.m.
'Reconciliation'
Found:RE Phoenix
1100 North Central Avenue
Found:RE Phoenix is showing works by Vikki Reed, who works in diverse styles that reflect common themes, including the environment, healing, and well-being. First Friday hours are 6 to 10 p.m.
First Friday
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 North Central Avenue
See several exhibitions at Phoenix Art Museum, where museum admission is free during First Friday hours from 6 to 10 p.m. Current exhibits explore everything from fashion to race cars.
More Art Shows
'Art of the Land'Shaneland Arts
301 East Camelback Road
Shaneland Arts is showing a group exhibition featuring works by Devin Gavirina, Kim Pratt, James Sanders, Teresa Moore, and additional artists. Look for works that explore the intersection of landscapes with humans and other animal life. First Friday hours, which also include live music, are 6:30 to 9 p.m.
First Friday
Garfield Galleria
316 West McDowell Road
More than a dozen artists have studios at Garfield Galleria, where you can see works in multiple mediums during First Friday hours from 6 to 9 p.m.
Art and Performance
First FridayRhythm Room
1019 East Indian School Road
Expect an eclectic mix of visual art and live music at the Rhythm Room, where the exhibition lineup features nearly a dozen artists, including Frank Gonzales and Lucretia Torva. The doors open at 7 p.m. on First Friday and bands start playing at 8 p.m. The event is for ages 21 and up.
First Friday
Heard Museum
2301 North Central Avenue
See several exhibitions at the Heard Museum, where First Friday hours from 6 to 10 p.m. include free museum admission. Admission to the exhibit featuring David Hockney artworks and California basketry is $5. The First Friday lineup also includes live music and a poetry slam featuring indigenous creatives.
Battle of the Boba
Japanese Friendship Garden
1125 North Third Avenue
The Japanese Friendship Garden presents a friendly competition involving sweets, tea, and live music. First Friday hours for this free event are 5 to 8 p.m.
First Friday Live
Herberger Theater Center
222 East Monroe Street
Head to the outdoor plaza for the Herberger Theater Center between 6 and 9 p.m. on Friday Friday to experience live music and art with a cabaret theme. While you're there, you can explore a pair of exhibits happening at indoor art spaces at the center.
